AVIAN FLU: Clean bill of health

Malaysian poultry is free of avian flu.
International health experts in town for a conference on the disease have given Malaysia a clean bill of health on the dreaded disease.
They pointed to the success of Malaysia’s "stamping out policy" after the first outbreak of avian influenza last Aug 17.
The policy, which includes culling of birds, surveillance and follow-up work, has kept the disease at bay.
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Scientific and Technical Department deputy head Dr Dewan Sibartie said the country had effectively culled infected birds and birds which had come into contact with them.
He added that Malaysia had been transparent throughout the outbreak, keeping international organisations informed of developments.
His views were echoed by Food and Agricultural Organisation’s Rome chief of Animal Health Dr Joseph Domenech, who commended Malaysia for its surveillance system.
He said the nation had been quick to contain the disease.
World Health Organisation regional director for the Western Pacific Region Dr Shigeru Omi said Malaysia had displayed "tremendous will" in keeping out the disease.
The views of the experts attending the FAO/OIE/WHO Consultation on Avian Influenza and Human Health came in the wake of fears expressed by Agriculture and Agro- Based Industries Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on the saleability of Malaysian poultry.
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